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What is the transmission network?

It’s the highest voltage electricity network in the UK – the ‘motorway network’ of the energy world. It transmits large quantities of electricity over long distances via wires carried on a system of mainly metal towers (pylons) and large substations. Transmission voltages in Scotland are 132kV*, 275kV and 400kV. Larger generation schemes usually connect to the Transmission system.

The lower voltage parts of the system are called distribution networks. In Scotland, these local networks operate below 132kV whereas in England the distribution network includes 132kV.

Over the coming decade we expect to significantly expand our network to facilitate the growth of renewable generation in the north of Scotland in order to meet UK and Scottish renewable energy targets. The potential scale and timing of this investment is not fixed as it depends on new generation projects proceeding.

It is important for us to assess the most likely scenarios for the development of generation in the north of Scotland, in terms of volume, phasing and location of the different renewable technologies.

* In England, 132kV electricity lines are part of the distribution network.